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Conspiracy theories and the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan : The rise, radicalization, and fall (?) of YamatoQ-kai




TekijätDemelius, Yoko; Szczepanska, Kamila

KustantajaOxford University Press

Julkaisuvuosi2024

JournalSocial Science Japan Journal

Tietokannassa oleva lehden nimiSocial Science Japan Journal

Artikkelin numerojyae003

Vuosikerta27

Numero2

Aloitussivu149

Lopetussivu168

ISSN1369-1465

eISSN1468-2680

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1093/ssjj/jyae003

Verkko-osoitehttps://doi.org/10.1093/ssjj/jyae003

Rinnakkaistallenteen osoitehttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/457216990


Tiivistelmä

This article investigates how conspiracy theories, spirituality, and resistance against pandemic-mitigation measures became intertwined during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis in Japan. Utilizing selected concepts from social movement theories (SMT), this case study-driven exploratory analysis focuses on the activities of YamatoQ-kai, a civil society organization that originated in a group of conspiracy-theory influencers and whose activities included the dissemination of an anti-immunization agenda. By analysing online posts on the organization’s homepage and journalistic reports on the organization, the article illuminates the underlying implications of the conspiracy theorists’ activism and demonstrates how the group adopted QAnon’s conspiracy rhetoric whilst taking a Japanized form. Second, it explains YamatoQ’s pivotal place amongst the Japanese societal actors espousing vaccine-hesitant attitudes. Finally, it shows how the group—as an unconventional case of conspirituality—created tangible experiences for followers and demonstrates the affective impact of group solidarity. In this way, the article’s findings contribute to closing the research gaps in scholarship on conspiracy theories, vaccine scepticism, and conspirituality.


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This reprint may differ from the original in pagination and typographic detail. Please cite the original version.





Last updated on 2025-28-02 at 11:40